What are the admission requirements?
The Department of Physical Therapy at Radford University participates in the Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service, known as PTCAS. All candidates will apply online using the PTCAS application. To learn more about the PTCAS application process, visit www.ptcas.org.
You can also view our program page for a program overview.
What GPA do you accept or what is the required grade point average?
Are any standardized entrance exams required (e.g., GRE)?
We require the Graduate Record Examination and it must be taken within the last five years. We use the GRE scores available in the system when we receive your application. If you re-take the GRE and want to use the newer scores, you must contact us.
What are the minimum GRE scores?
We have no minimum GRE score. However, our program is very competitive and our average incoming student typically scores around 152 for verbal reasoning and quantitative reasoning. The average analytical writing score is a 4.0.
How many observation hours must you have before entering our program?
An applicant must complete a minimum of 40 hours total of volunteer (or paid) work with a licensed physical therapist. It is recommended for an applicant to volunteer or have paid work experience in multiples settings >100hrs total.
Can I still apply if I have not completed my 40 volunteer hours by the application deadline?
Yes, you can still apply. Just indicate your plan for completion of the hours in your application. If accepted, you will be given a provisional accept until you provide documentation of the completed hours.
How do we find places to get experience to fulfill your requirement of the 40 hours needed?
Clinical settings under the direction/supervision of a physical therapist may be found in local hospitals, outpatient clinics, special education in school systems, nursing homes, private practices and home health agencies.
What types of financial aid do you offer to students?
Need-based financial aid is awarded by the university’s Office of Financial Aid and requires submission of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. The deadline for mailing the FAFSA or Renewal FAFSA is April 15 of each year.
Do students have to live on campus?
Yes and no! Radford University at Carilion in Roanoke, Virginia has an agreement with the Patrick Henry to serve as a undergraduate and graduate residence hall. This building is within easy walking distance to our home on the 8th floor located within Community Hospital. Many students also explore living options in the nearby downtown area. There are multiple apartments for rent. Accepted students are mailed additional housing information.
What criteria do you use to select students?
We use the total GPA, math/science GPA, GRE scores, references, essay, life and volunteer experiences, and an in-person interview to rank all applicants.
Do you accept credits from community colleges?
We accept credits from community colleges.
Do you interview your applicants?
We do interview applicants as a part of the decision-making process. We also provide open houses and information sessions (virtual and in-person) for prospective students to learn about the program, view facilities, and meet current students and faculty members. Please email dpt@radford.edu for additional information.
Do you take out-of-state students?
We do accept out-of-state students. Each class is generally comprised of five to 10 out-of-state students.
Are Radford students given priority over other students?
We accept the most qualified students from all schools.
If I graduated several years ago, do I have to repeat courses?
All coursework must be completed within 10 years prior to enrollment in our program. Regardless of time since graduation, we do not accept more than 3 course retakes.
Can you apply if you have not completed all the required prerequisites?
You may apply if your required prerequisites have not been completed. We do not allow more than 3 outstanding courses at the time of application.
Is your program a four-year or three-year program with part-time options?
Our program is a three-year program leading to the Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. Students graduate in May of their third year in the program. This is full-time program with no part-time options.
Is your program an accelerated or traditional three-year program?
Our program is a traditional three-year program that awards the Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. Students graduate in May of their third year in the program. This is full-time program with no part-time options.
How is it decided where you will go for your clinical experiences?
Each student must complete three twelve week full time clinical experiences at the end of the first year (summer), second year (summer), and in the spring of the third year.
How much is your tuition?
The current tuition for our program can be found at the Office of the Bursar website.
How can I become a Virginia resident for tuition purposes?
The factors used to support a claim of entitlement to in-state privileges must have existed for a minimum of one year prior to the official start of classes. Factors considered when determining first residency: physical residence, state to which income taxes are filed, state to which income taxes are paid, driver's license, voter registration, motor vehicle registration and employment. Please contact RUC financial aid for more information rucfinancialaid@radford.edu.
Will you help me figure out if the courses I have taken meet the prerequisite requirements?
If you have specific questions about a course, please e-mail us and we will advise you on individual courses. We do not provide transcript review or provide guidance what courses you need to take. Please follow up with the academic advisor at your institution.
Do you forgive grades if the course is repeated?
We accept the higher grade for any courses retaken. We do not allow more than 3 course retakes.
How many students are accepted into your program?
We accept 30 students into each class. We strive to admit a diverse cohort with traditional and non-traditional students.
When does the physical therapy program begin?
All students in the D.P.T. program will begin classes in late May. We admit only one group of students each academic year. Each class follows a set curriculum.
How many faculty do you have?
We have nine full-time faculty members with expertise across the continuum of physical therapy practice and research in the health sciences.
Can I attend your program part time or at night?
Our program is only full time. Classes are held during the day. Students are expected to be available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday - Friday.